Verksgata 54 in Stavanger, Norway

The property owner wants you to explore the possibilities for sustainable development and alternative use of the building.

Owner

Smedvig Eiendom Eiendom is a real estate developer with high ambitions regarding sustainability and also has a long-term investment horizon.

Address

Verksgata 54, 4013 Stavanger, Norway
Link to Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Csqzi5Pxh28QtF7i8

Site description

The competition area is located on Verksgata, at the exit of the Bergelands tunnel. The planning area is centrally located on the way to the eastern district with proximity to public transport routes for buses and future light rail. The planning area has an important location in the cityscape as part of the sea house row and is easily visible from the main roads to the center and the rest of the county (ferry traffic). The site has good light conditions as it is situated with free space on two sides. South of the planning area, the terrain rises quite steeply towards Pedersgata with the heritage-listed building at Nedre Blåsenborg, which is located west of the Bergeland tunnel.

The area between the opening of the tunnel and Pedersgata was built as a covering of the tunnel in 1989 and consists of a large, detached residential complex of 3-4 floors with associated parking.

Constructions and covers are in cast-in-place concrete. The building is founded on piles and dimensioned for a future extension on top. The building originally had a classical functional and elegant expression with details in the stairwell and entrance area that can be linked to the Art Deco style.

The cultural and social value of the site and historic use

A business/office has been established within the planning area, with associated facilities and parking. The existing building at Verksgata 54 has 3 floors. From the east, there is an entrance to the car park on the first floor. The other floors contain offices. The building was designed by architect Thorvald Astrup and was built in 1929-30 as a warehouse for the Norwegian Cooperative National Association, Stavanger branch. The building is plastered with load-bearing masonry.

Verksgata 54 originally faced the sea and was a warehouse, like the traditional wooden warehouses, but represented a new and more modern era. The building has 3 floors, while several neighboring buildings in the warehouse row are significantly higher.

An application was made in 1974 for a facade change and a two-storey extension. Facade change with panel cladding/blinding was performed. The building has since changed to more modern windows in the original openings.

Drawings and images

Use this link to access drawings and images of Verksgata 54.

Submit your entry

Submit your design proposal for Verksgata 54 by emailing oskar.riby@ri.se your material no later than the 18th of March. The design proposal must fit within and be legible on one (1) A3 sheet. Please write your chosen site in the subject of the email. 

Requested information:

1. The competition proposal (1 A3) including:

   1. Concept description with accompanying analysis.
   2. Conceptual sketches and diagrams.

   The file should be named with the proposal's motto.

2. Names of all team members. Write all names in the email and note that all submitted material must be purged of any traceable information about the author or similar details to guarantee complete anonymity. 
3. Study certification of at least one team member conducting studies in architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, or interior design at a Nordic university or college.